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What is adaptive DBS?

Adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS) is an advancement of DBS therapy for Parkinson’s disease. Unlike traditional DBS, which delivers constant stimulation, adaptive DBS uses real-time brain signals to automatically adjust therapy throughout the day and night.1

How does adaptive DBS work?

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Listening to your brain

Your implanted device gently listens to your brain’s natural signals. In Parkinson’s, certain brainwaves—called  alpha-beta waves—can become too strong and are linked to symptoms like tremor, slowness and stiffness.2

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Spotting when help is needed

When the device notices these signals getting too intense, it knows your brain may need extra support.

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Adjusting automatically

The system responds by adjusting the stimulation it gives— more when it is needed because you have troublesome symptoms, and less when your symptoms are well controlled or you are dyskinetic. This helps smooth out symptoms and reduce fluctuations.3

 

This means your therapy is personalised to your needs, helping you experience more "On" time—periods when your symptoms are well-controlled—without needing frequent manual adjustments.4

aDBS two women smiling

Why consider adaptive DBS?

Adaptive DBS is especially helpful if you have symptoms that change throughout the day and/ or you experience some of the side effects of standard stimulation.4 By tailoring stimulation moment-to-moment, it aims to:

  • Increase “On” time5
  • Deliver personalised, responsive therapy4,5
  • Reduce the burden of manual adjustments6
  • Maintain effectiveness of DBS while the disease might progress over the years6

In a clinical study, when compared to traditional DBS, Medtronic aDBS gave people living with Parkinson’s disease:

More “On” time with improved control of tremor, slowness, and stiffness.5

85% of waking hours with  good “On” time 55% reduced “Off” time aDBS has been proven to be safe and effective


Available with the Percept™ family

Adaptive DBS is available through the Medtronic Percept™ family of neurostimulators. It is available on a recharge free or rechargeable device.

For rechargeable batteries you can count on at least 15 years of service life and fast recharge performance.* Medtronic patented battery technology has less battery fade than other rechargeable devices for a more reliable, long-lasting battery.

BrainSense aDBS with TIME magazine best inventions of 2025 ribbon

©2025 TIME USA LLC. All rights reserved. Used under license.


You may be a good candidate if:

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You experience motor fluctuations such as off periods and/ or dyskinesia, and need more consistent symptom control.

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You find manual adjustments burdensome.

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You’re looking for a more personalised therapy experience that adapts to your needs

 

Already have a Percept™ DBS device?

Ask your doctor about activating adaptive DBS on your device.



Considering DBS therapy?

Make sure your care team chooses the Medtronic Percept™ system so you can benefit from adaptive DBS.
Call or Email our Neuromodulation Helpline to find a centre near you.

Hear from experts & people with Parkinson’s about adaptive DBS

Learn more about DBS from leading experts and people with Parkinson’s as they explain the potential benefits to your quality of life and explore the importance of being aware of all your options of treatment to achieve symptom relief with DBS.

Professor Beudel Neurologist at Amsterdam UMC Hospital, Netherlands

Prof. Dr. Martin Beudel
Neurologist, Amsterdam University

Hear from Prof. Dr. Martin Beudel, a leading researcher in aDBS, as he shares insights on who is eligible for aDBS therapy.

Prof. Dr. Visser-Vandewalle-Veerle

Prof. Dr. Visser-Vandewalle-Veerle
Neurosurgeon, Köln University Clinic

Prof. Dr. Visser-Vandewalle-Veerle provides expertise from one of the largest DBS centres in Europe.

Joseph Candelario-McKeown

Joseph Candelario-McKeown
Specialised DBS Nurse, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UK

Joseph discusses the potential benefits of aDBS therapy.

aDBS case study cell phone and hands
“I definitely feel better overall in myself. My friends have commented that they can see the difference since adaptive was switched on fully.
Differences are in improved postures and mobility.  My manager at work commented that my speech has a lot more variation in it and it is not as monotone as before.  I remain in my “On” state of medication for longer.”

            — Tim, UK

man with dog
“I am doing well since my DBS has been fitted. Adaptive was switched on about 6 weeks ago and it has made a huge difference. I have more energy and sometimes forget to take my medication during the day and I do not feel I need it. My body feels like it has more fluidity. I am very happy, it has given me my life back.”

— John, UK
*

For median energy use in DBS for PD patients, with moderate (up to 2 months per year) Brainsense™ technology usage.

The Boston Scientific Vercise Genus™* R16 has a variable 5–15 years of service life, depending on the stimulation settings and conditions (Vercise™* Deep Brain Stimulation Systems Information for Prescribers MP92366224-01 Rev G, accessed August 22, 2023

References

1

Della Torre Attilio, La Torre Domenico, Guzzi Giusy, Volpentesta Giorgio, Lavano Angelo , Innovative developments in deep brain stimulation devices, Received 2 February 2025, Revised 13 April 2025, Accepted 18 April 2025, Available online 18 April 2025, Version of Record 25 April 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inat.2025.102035

2

Neumann WJ, Degen K, Schneider GH, et al. Subthalamic synchronized oscillatory activity correlates with motor impairment in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Mov Disord. 2016;31(11):1748-1751

3

Oehrn CR, Cernera S, Hammer LH, et al. “Chronic adaptive deep brain stimulation is superior to conventional stimulation in Parkinson’s disease: a blinded randomized feasibility trial.” Nature Medicine August 19, 2024. DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03196-z

4

Stanslaski, S., Summers, R.L.S., Tonder, L. et al. Sensing data and methodology from the Adaptive DBS Algorithm for Personalized Therapy in Parkinson’s Disease (ADAPT-PD) clinical trial. npj Parkinsons Dis. 10, 174 (2024) https://www.nature.com/articles/s41531-024-00772-5

5

Bronte-Stewart HM, Beudel M, Ostrem JL, et al. Long-Term Personalized Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson Disease: A Nonrandomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Neurol. Published online September 22, 2025. doi:10.1001/ jamaneurol.2025.2781

6

SR Doc: NDHF1623-213735 v6.0, Refer to SRs 133717, 158881, and 133538. - System Design Doc: NDHF1623-213738 v5.0, Refer to Section 4.1.16 Local Field Potiential Sensing and Adaptive Stimulation (aDBS)

Brief Statement

Brief statement Information contained herein is not medical advice and should not be used as an alternative to speaking with your doctor.  Discuss indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, adverse events and any further information with your health care professional. Please note that the intended use of a product may vary depending on geographical approvals. Medtronic products placed on European markets comply with EU and UK legislation (if applicable) on medical devices.

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